Romance Is (Frequently) In the Air

Some birthday gifts have a more lasting effect than others. In 1987, Toni Bruner received 600 romance novels from a friend, effectively doubling her collection and leading her to open New & Recycled Romances, Costa Mesa.

"So here we are, 20 years later," Bruner told the Daily Pilot, "still in the happy ending business. And we're getting busier and busier, because so many small bookstores are closing."